Final answer:
In 'Ben-Hur,' excessive pride as a chief character flaw is chiefly attributed to the character of Messala. This hubris is a common tragic flaw in literature and often leads to the character's downfall, offering a moral lesson to the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ben-Hur, the chief character flaw of excessive pride, also known as hubris, is notably seen in the character Messala. Hubris is a common hamartia, or tragic flaw, which often brings about the downfall of a hero as seen in classical Greek tragedies. This flaw disrupts the balance within a character between their abilities and their moral compass.
Examples from Greek literature, such as the character of Oedipus, highlight how hubris leads to the character's demise, while ostensibly good intentions do not spare them from tragic consequences. Thus, characters like Messala in Ben-Hur, who are consumed by excessive pride, ultimately face downfall, providing an educational example and prompting catharsis in the audience. In literature, prominent figures including Jane Austen's characters, display variations of this fundamental human flaw, with characters like Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice serving as quintessential examples of pride leading to narrow-mindedness and societal misjudgments.
By contrasting virtuous behavior with the negative outcomes of hubris, authors often convey moral lessons. The virtues and limitations of humans are explored in depth, showcasing the importance of humility and courage in the face of recognition, or lack thereof, of one's abilities. Nevertheless, the literature also suggests that characters marred by hamartia, such as excessive pride, can evoke empathy due to their multidimensional nature, thereby aligning the reader's response with the fate of these individuals.